Cremation Additional Resources
SevenPonds recommends the following resources to our clients who wish to learn more about cremation.
Cremation Association of North America
Founded in 1913, the Cremation Association of North America (CANA) is an international trade organization with over 3,300 members. Participating providers include funeral homes, cemeteries, crematories, industry suppliers, consultants, and students.
Although CANA is primarily an industry association, it does provide information to the public about choosing and arranging cremation. It also offers an online member directory where you can search for a cremation provider near you. They will answer questions if you call CANA directly.
Funeral Consumers Alliance
The Funeral Consumer Alliance is a nonprofit organization that educates and informs the public about issues related to the funeral industry. Its mission is to ensure that consumers are treated honestly and fairly when purchasing funeral arrangements, a goal it accomplished by monitoring the industry, reporting on industry practices and working with policymakers to enact meaningful reforms. The FCA also offers a number of written and online resources to help consumers make informed decisions about how and where to care for their dead. They commonly answer questions over the phone and can often refer you to one of their local chapters depending on your location.
Federal Trade Commission
The Federal Trade Commission is a federal government agency tasked with protecting consumers from dishonest, anticompetitive or unethical business practices, including scams and fraud. It is also responsible for the Funeral Rule, a set of standards that outlines how funeral providers, cremation providers and cemeteries that have an on-site funeral home. The agency is empowered to investigate complaints, fine providers for violations, and file lawsuits if it finds evidence of wrongdoing.
To report suspected fraud to the FTC, fill out a report online. The FTC cannot resolve your individual complaint, but they will share it with law enforcement and investigate the business practices of the provider involved.
National Funeral Directors Association
The NFDA is the largest global industry organization for funeral professionals.Yet their website does offer information when you specifically search for cremation. Much of the information is only accessible by their members but there are some links provided to the public.
Neptune Society
The Neptune Society is the largest provider of direct cremation services in the United States, having served families since 1973. Unlike trade associations or government agencies, Neptune Society is a direct service provider, which makes it a useful resource for families seeking to understand the specific costs and logistics of simple cremation without a traditional funeral service. The organization is well-known for its prepaid cremation plans, which allow individuals to lock in today’s prices for future services—an important consideration given the rising cost of funeral care. Neptune Society’s website and phone consultations offer transparent, upfront pricing for direct cremation, and the organization provides detailed information about the legal paperwork required for cremation, state-by-state regulations, and options for handling cremated remains, including scattering at sea and placement in a columbarium.